Opposition chief Raila Odinga’s wife Ida endorsed nominated MP John Mbadi to take over from the ODM boss as the next Luo political kingpin.
Ida said the seasoned lawmaker has come of age and is best suited to lead the politically-charged community after Raila.
This is the first time a senior member of the influential Jaramogi family has come publicly to give direction on who should take control of the community following Raila’s declaration that he is eyeing African Union Commission chairmanship.
The endorsement is likely to ruffle feathers in the Luo Nyanza politics given the growing list of politicians eyeing to succeed Raila.
Big political names in the region seen as possible successors kept off the discussion over the weekend.
Those whose names keep popping up in the dicy succession debate include National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and his Siaya counterpart James Orengo.
There are also former Raila allies, now aligned to President William Ruto, who were angling to become the next Luo kingpin at one point.
They include former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and ex-Migori Governor Okoth Obado.
